The Fighting Jamesons cook up Irish party rock in Newport News

Granted, Irish-inspired rock 'n' roll might not spring to mind as the perfect soundtrack for an early summer Friday night. Don't rule it out, though. The Fighting Jamesons are a party band that aims to lift spirits and fuel festivities. Mike Powers fronts a band that takes folk nuggets like "The Irish Rover," "Whiskey in the Jar" and "Drunken Sailor" and stuffs them into a modern rock blender. The band plays free at Fridays at the Fountain on June 28. City Center Fountain Plaza, Oyster Point, Newport News and the party lasts 5:30-8:30 p.m. citycenteratoysterpoint.com.